Indiana (37-28) at Milwaukee (37-28)
- When: Mar 15 2025, 8:00 PM
- Where: Fiserv Forum, Milwaukee, WI, USA
- TV: FDSWI
Indiana Pacers vs. Milwaukee Bucks Betting Preview
Indiana Pacers Outlook
The Pacers and Bucks enter Saturday’s showdown tied for fourth in the Eastern Conference standings, making this a pivotal game in the playoff race. Indiana is coming off a 112-100 road win over Philadelphia on Friday, where they overcame a 16-point deficit to dominate the second half.
Tyrese Haliburton had a quiet game with just 14 points, but his clutch gene was on full display in Tuesday’s thriller against Milwaukee. His four-point play in the final seconds sealed a Pacers victory, adding to the legacy of clutch moments in Fiserv Forum, a place once dominated by Reggie Miller’s heroics.
Haliburton acknowledged the significance of that moment:
“There’s definitely a lot of Reggie moments in this building. I’m just trying to create some of my own.”
Pascal Siakam, questionable before the Philly game due to an elbow injury, erupted for 27 points, showing his value as Indiana’s go-to scoring option. However, playing on the second night of a back-to-back (4-6 in such games this season) could make fatigue a concern.
Indiana has been one of the league’s most explosive offenses, but their inconsistency on defense (ranking bottom-10 in points allowed) could be problematic against Milwaukee.
Milwaukee Bucks Outlook
The Bucks snapped a three-game skid with a 109-99 win over the Lakers on Thursday, but they haven’t forgotten how Tuesday’s game against Indiana slipped away. Giannis Antetokounmpo’s foul on Haliburton led to the game-winning four-point play, and the Bucks will be looking to even the season series at 2-2.
Antetokounmpo, the NBA’s second-leading scorer (30.5 PPG), played just 30 minutes against the Lakers but still put up 24 points. He has historically struggled against Indiana, averaging just 24.5 points per game in matchups with the Pacers.
Brook Lopez has been a bright spot, scoring 23 points in back-to-back games, while Damian Lillard added 22 points against L.A. The Bucks’ ball movement has improved, as they recorded 20+ assists in their last win, something Doc Rivers emphasized as a key factor moving forward.
Milwaukee will be without Bobby Portis, who is suspended until April 8. The Bucks have been strong at home (23-11 SU), while Indiana’s struggles on the second leg of back-to-backs could give Milwaukee an edge.
Betting Prediction
Milwaukee has momentum coming off a win and will be motivated for payback after Tuesday’s loss. Indiana, meanwhile, could struggle with fatigue after an emotional comeback win in Philadelphia.
Spread Lean: Milwaukee -5.5
Total Lean: Over 235.0 (Pacers’ offense pushes the pace, and both teams have defensive lapses)
Key Trend: Milwaukee is 8-4 since the All-Star break, while Indiana is 4-6 in back-to-backs.
Look for Giannis to dominate the paint, and if Milwaukee’s defense can limit transition points, the Bucks should cover at home.
- NBA Odds source: Bovada Sportsbook
